It's all to play for

H&H dressage editor Polly Bryan predicts a thrilling Olympic Games full of unpredictability – where Britain’s bright young stars could flourish

- Polly Bryan

ON paper, there’s no reason why Britain can’t reclaim their glorious gold from 2012. The world-class trio of Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, and Lottie Fry have three young horses who are more than capable of living up to the weighty expectations upon them. But rookie horses across the board, coupled with a fresh format, challenging climate and the disruption Covid has brought to preparations, means this game is set to be the most unpredictable yet.

There have already been surprises: Gio wasn’t the horse most expected to be selected for Charlotte Dujardin’s bid to retain her individual Olympic title. But “Pumpkin” is by no means second-rate. Popular with judges and fans alike, his exceptional talent combined with his adorable attitude – and the fact he has arguably the world’s best rider on his back – means that he could lead Britain into an extremely competitive position.

He is a little horse who rises to a big occasion and could challenge for an individual medal, though with just one international special and freestyle to his name so far, he will be in thoroughly uncharted territory.

Carl Hester’s En Vogue, though, could prove to be Britain’s talisman. This tall, elegant gelding, who has proved such a good match for Carl since owner Charlotte handed over the ride in 2020, is one of the most talented horses in the world. So far he has shown us tantalizing glimpses of the medal-winner he could be, and if anyone can nurture a horse to bring out his best at precisely the right moment, it’s Carl.